Pass labs XO.2 or Janus tube pre-amp.


Is any one on the great audiogon forum able to tell me if going to a tube pre amp like the Janus tube preamp an up grade in sonics?
I have the pass labs xo.2 with X 350.5 and want to try a balanced tube preamp with a great phono stage, just do not want to give up much bass sound.
Any comments would be helpful.
There are no janus preamp stores here in Denver, Colorado.
Thanks
Gary
128x128garygallegospe

Showing 1 response by onemug

You will need to find out what the output impedance of the Janus pre is spec'ed at. Some tube pres have a fairly high one and Pass amps have a relatively low input impedance. You would want the input impedance of an amp to be 10 times greater (or more, general rule) than the preamps spec.

Right now I am listening to a Conrad Johnson tube pre going into a Pass XA30.5 with excellent results. The CJ (a CT-5) has an output of 800 ohms and the Pass's rca input is close to 20k (I have to use the rca's) so I'm at a 25 to 1 ratio.

Chances are good that you will be fine unless the Janus output is abnormally high.